Cheslatta Carrier Nation
P.O. Box 909
Burns Lake, B.C. V0J 1E0
Phone: (604) 694-3334
Fax: (604) 694-3632
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
B.C. BACKS DECISION TO KILL KEMANO: ANGUS REID SURVEY
40 PER CENT SAY "NO COMPENSATION"
Cheslatta Nation, B.C. (21 March 1995) - A solid block of B.C.
residents, 40 per cent, are totally opposed to paying Alcan any
compensation for cancellation of Kemano 2, according to a recent
Angus Reid survey. The B.C. government's decision to kill the
project is backed by 54 per cent of British Columbians, according
to the survey commissioned by the Cheslatta.
Cheslatta Chief Marvin Charlie said the results show Premier
Harcourt's government made the right decision. "I have said all
along Alcan doesn't deserve compensation since taxpayers weren't
involved in the decision to approve the project."
Support for the Jan. 23, 1995 decision to cancel Kemano 2 was
strongest in the Vancouver / Burnaby area with 63 per cent in
favour. The B.C. Interior, which was most divided over the
cancellation decision, was surprisingly the area most against any
compensation for Alcan at 46 per cent.
The survey indicates B.C. residents are upset with Ottawa's
attempts to duck responsibility for project cancellation. There is
little support for compensation by just one level of government:
8 per cent feel B.C. is solely responsible while only 3 per cent
feel Ottawa is solely responsible. If compensation is to be paid,
the provincial and federal governments should share the cost, said
41 per cent.
As expected, support for the decision to cancel was strongest among
provincial NDP supporters at 77 per cent. However, provincial
Liberal and Reformers also strongly supported the decision, at 56
per cent and 37 per cent respectively. Federal Reformers were 44
per cent in favour. As for compensation, 43 per cent of provincial
Reformers said no compensation should be paid to Alcan.
The Angus Reid poll is based on a province-wide random sample of
600 British Columbians between March 1 and 9. It's considered
accurate within four per cent, 19 times out of 20.
Last summer's B.C. Reid Report, by Angus Reid Group, found British
Columbians were very familiar with Kemano 2 and warned that the
B.C.U.C. might face "a strong public backlash" if the project was
allowed to go ahead. That survey found "opposition to Kemano is
quite broadly based across the province."
For further information, please contact:
Dana Wagg
Writer-Researcher
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